Despite a massive crackdown by the security personnel on illegal marijuana farming in Mahottari district, the farmers are reluctant to quit this ever-burgeoning business. The locals say they are compelled to grow marijuana in lack of an alternative way to eke out a living. “We earn handsome profits from marijuana farming if we manage to sell the production hoodwinking the local administration,” said a farmer of Bhatauliya VDC, preferring anonymity. One of the farmer said he began paddy production and lentil farming last year, but could not get satisfactory results. Marijuana farming is rampant in Tarai particularly in Mahottari, Bara and Parsa. Locals said a kilo of marijuana fetches them up to Rs. 10,000.
